The Losers Regroup

Pennywise Returns to Haunt a New Cast in It Chapter Two

(09/05/2019)

Pennywise is back. On September 6, the sinister boogeyman from IT will return to terrify audiences once again in IT CHAPTER TWO, the continuation of 2017’s smash-hit horror film. Based on the classic Stephen King horror novel, IT tells the story of a group of misfit kids forced to confront an unfathomable evil that presents itself in the form of a ghastly clown.

The sequel picks up 27 years later, as those kids have become adults and (mostly) moved on from the harrowing events of the first film. When Pennywise resurfaces (played once again by Bill Skarsgård), the self-styled Losers’ Club members return to their childhood home to battle the supernatural monster once more.

A big part of what made the first IT so great was its phenomenal cast of young actors, including Finn Wolfhard from "Stranger Things," and Sophia Lillis from "Sharp Objects." Putting together an equally awesome ensemble was crucial to developing the sequel, and director Andy Muschietti has done just that. Below, take a closer look at the all-star new cast of IT CHAPTER TWO.

James McAvoy as Bill Denbrough

The arguable leader of the Losers’ Club makes a hesitant return to the fictional town of Derry, Maine. But when it's time for an epic and terrifying battle against the ultimate evil, a guy does what has to be done. Portrayed by Jaeden Martell in the first film, Bill is played by James McAvoy in the sequel. Best known for his roles in ATONEMENT and as Professor Charles Xavier in the newer X-MEN films, McAvoy also recently earned acclaim for his turn in M. Night Shyamalan’s SPLIT and its recent sequel, GLASS.

Jessica Chastain as Beverly Marsh

As the lone girl in the Losers’ Club, Beverly, played by Sophia Lillis, was a major standout in the first chapter of IT. Coming from an abusive home and having witnessed numerous horrors in Derry, Beverly was uniquely equipped to confront the demonic entity terrorizing her friends. Playing adult Beverly in CHAPTER TWO is award-winning and Oscar®-nominated actress Jessica Chastain. She was a fan-favorite pick for the role, and for good reason. Chastain, who recently starred opposite McAvoy in DARK PHOENIX, appeared in director Andy Muschietti’s first film, MAMA. That made her casting in IT CHAPTER TWO a no-brainer.

Jay Ryan as Ben Hanscom

Played by Jeremy Ray Taylor in the first installment, Ben Hanscom is a heavyset kid with a huge crush on one Miss Beverly Marsh. He sent her a beautiful poem, which she mistakenly assumed was written by Bill. As an adult, Ben is played by Jay Ryan. He's now a successful architect, and has struggled to leave the horrible memories of chuldhood bullying behind. Ryan is a New Zealand actor best known for his roles in the Aussie soap "Neighbours" and the acclaimed miniseries "Top of the Lake," with Elisabeth Moss.

Bill Hader as Richie Tozier

Known for his loud mouth and compulsive wise-cracking, Richie was played in the first film by "Stranger Things" star Finn Wolfhard. In the sequel, Richie has put his humorous sensibilities to good use, becoming a radio DJ in Los Angeles. With a penchant for doing celebrity impressions, former "SNL" star Bill Hader was the perfect pick to play grown-up Richie. In the years since his tenure ended on "SNL," Hader has appeared in numerous films and lent his voice to several animated movies. He has arguably done his best work on television: In addition to his work on the hilarious mockumentary series "Documentary Now!," Hader produces, directs, writes, and stars in the acclaimed HBO dark comedy, "Barry."

Isaiah Mustafa as Mike Hanlon

Mike is played in the 2017 film by "Hawaii Five-0" actor Chosen Jacobs, Mike has spent his life on a farm with his grandpa following the tragic death of his parents. While the typically isolated Mike is happy to have new friends, his grandpa would prefer if his grandson kept to himself. In the sequel, Mike is played by Isaiah Mustafa, an actor best known to audiences as the hunky guy in the Old Spice commercials. When we pick up with Mike in CHAPTER TWO, he’s the only member of the Losers’ Club who stayed behind in Derry, taking it upon himself to ensure that at least one person doesn’t forget about the horrors of their childhood. Needless to say, Mike isn’t doing too great.

James Ransone as Eddie Kaspbrak

In the first film, Eddie is played by SHAZAM!’s Jack Dylan Grazer. The kid is a bit of a hypochondriac, thanks in large part to his mother, who convinced young Eddie he had a weak immune system and asthma. To say she's over-protective would be an understatement. Played in CHAPTER TWO by "The Wire" and SINISTER star James Ransone, Eddie has carried his hypochondria into adulthood. That said, he has managed to overcome it enough to start a limousine business, and to marry a woman named Myra. (She is, unfortunately, very much like his mom, at least in the novel.)

Andy Bean as Stanley Uris

Wyatt Oleff, who also played a young Peter Quill in the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY movies, played young Stanley in the first IT. A Jewish kid whose father is a rabbi, Stanley has a more rational view of the world than most of his friends. He's the last member of the Losers’ Club to accept that Pennywise is real. In the sequel, the older Stanley is played by Andy Bean, an actor known for his roles in the superhero series "Power" and the short-lived DC Comics series "Swamp Thing."